When you hear about tryptophan, do you think about turkey dinners in your Toronto home? Well, you’re on the right track! From the view of naturopathic integrative functional medicine, let’s discuss what tryptophan is and its key benefits for reaching optimal health. What is Tryptophan? Tryptophan is one of the amino acids the human body uses for protein biosynthesis. It’s essential because your daily life needs tryptophan for supporting muscles, neurotransmitters and enzymes. Unfortunately, the body can’t create this amino acid by itself, so we need to find healthy sources of it. Tryptophan can be consumed through dietary supplements and food sources (i.e. bananas, peanuts and turkey). (Don’t worry, if you have dietary intolerances or concerns, a functional medicine practitioner can help you out.) Studies have suggested that tryptophan could positively affect mental health and cognition. According to an article in the International Journal of Tryptophan Research, tryptophan can “change the rates of serotonin synthesis in the brain.” So how exactly does tryptophan impact health and your personalized medicine plans? We explain below: Benefits of Tryptophan for Toronto Functional Medicine Patients 1. Tryptophan may improve sleep. Sleep is crucial for our everyday lives. A study on adults aged 55-75 years old showed that tryptophan could enrich sleep for seniors. Participants were given cereals that contained tryptophan, which led to enhanced sleep efficiency and lowered sleep latency. 2. May promote anxiety relief. In the same study, participants had improvements to their anxiety/depression symptoms after eating tryptophan-rich cereals. But tryptophan may also impact other age groups in reducing anxiety. In another study, university students were given high-tryptophan or low-tryptophan diets. Students who ate high levels of tryptophan experienced less depression and anxiety compared to those who ate low amounts of tryptophan. 3. Tryptophan may help ease PMS and PMDD symptoms. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, which may aid in the symptom management of PMS and PMDD (i.e. mood swings). In a study of women, a lack of tryptophan was shown to increase irritability during PMS and PMDD: “Symptom magnitude was correlated with diminution of tryptophan relative to other amino acids. This result supports other evidence implicating serotonin in premenstrual syndrome,” reported a Journal of Affective Disorders article. 4. Could help with nicotine withdrawal symptom management. Tryptophan may help with quitting smoking. In a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, “Tryptophan-treated subjects who could not fully abstain were able to smoke fewer daily cigarettes. Reported anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms were lower in the tryptophan group compared with control subjects.” Other helpful reading: What is SIBO and Can Naturopathic Functional Medicine Help? Learn About Tryptophan at our Center for Functional Medicine in Toronto Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you need help managing anxiety? There is potential for integrative medicine care to help alleviate your symptoms – and our private practice care for patients and functional medicine practitioners can help with that. Our clinic’s functional medicine healthcare providers are happy to provide integrative care for their patients in-person and virtually. Our clinical practice has an integrative approach to naturopathic functional medicine. The TFMC’s treatments may consist of western medicine/allopathic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine/eastern medicine, medically-supervised IV therapy, cold laser therapy, functional medicine testing, client education on clinical nutrition and maintaining a healthy diet, among others. Our clinical care and evidence-based functional medicine practices may be applied to these conditions and more: pain management, chronic disease management, symptom management (chronic pain) and abdominal pain. If you require a bespoke health care program, don’t hesitate to ask us; we cater to personalized medicine requests, too. Always know that functional medicine in Toronto is available at our private clinic! Recover and sustain your quality of life – call (416) 968-6961 or click here to send us a message. Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. References: Abad, V.C., Guilleminault, C. Insomnia in Elderly Patients: Recommendations for Pharmacological Management. Drugs Aging 35, 791–817 (2018). https://ift.tt/YXa13xziA Asako M. Kikuchi, Aya Tanabe & Yoshihiro Iwahori (2021) A systematic review of the effect of L-tryptophan supplementation on mood and emotional functioning, Journal of Dietary Supplements, 18:3, 316-333, DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2020.1746725 Bowen, D.J., Spring, B. & Fox, E. Tryptophan and high-carbohydrate diets as adjuncts to smoking cessation therapy. J Behav Med 14, 97–110 (1991). https://ift.tt/XfroDwmcz Bravo, R., Matito, S., Cubero, J. et al. Tryptophan-enriched cereal intake improves nocturnal sleep, melatonin, serotonin, and total antioxidant capacity levels and mood in elderly humans. AGE 35, 1277–1285 (2013). https://ift.tt/FLEvXHuZp Darakhshan Jabeen Haleem, Improving therapeutics in anorexia nervosa with tryptophan, Life Sciences, Volume 178, 2017, Pages 87-93, ISSN 0024-3205, https://ift.tt/3kI1R4qLT. David B. Menkes, Diane C. Coates, J.Paul Fawcett, Acute tryptophan depletion aggravates premenstrual syndrome, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 32, Issue 1, 1994, Pages 37-44, ISSN 0165-0327, https://ift.tt/No7em8T2L. Gibson, E. (2018). Tryptophan supplementation and serotonin function: Genetic variations in behavioural effects. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 77(2), 174-188. doi:10.1017/S0029665117004451 Lindseth G, Helland B, Caspers J. The effects of dietary tryptophan on affective disorders. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2015;29(2):102-107. doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2014.11.008 Joanna Kałużna-Czaplińska, Paulina Gątarek, Salvatore Chirumbolo, Max Stanley Chartrand & Geir Bjørklund (2019) How important is tryptophan in human health?, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59:1, 72-88, DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1357534 Mishra S, Elliott H, Marwaha R. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. [Updated 2021 Sep 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://ift.tt/qJ7vATDfY Richard DM, Dawes MA, Mathias CW, Acheson A, Hill-Kapturczak N, Dougherty DM. L-Tryptophan: Basic Metabolic Functions, Behavioral Research and Therapeutic Indications. Int J Tryptophan Res. 2009;2:45-60. doi:10.4137/ijtr.s2129 Zamoscik, V., Schmidt, S.N.L., Bravo, R. et al. Tryptophan-enriched diet or 5-hydroxytryptophan supplementation given in a randomized controlled trial impacts social cognition on a neural and behavioral level. Sci Rep 11, 21637 (2021). https://ift.tt/EdOxc8Uhz Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/
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Toronto Functional Medicine Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada, has recently published a new blog post that explains how functional medicine tests may reveal about a person’s health. It is important to note that under conventional Western medicine, many patients may get “normal” test results although they are not feeling well. Meanwhile, functional medicine is a health care methodology that considers every patient as a distinctive individual. Thus, integrative and functional medicine doctors will have to completely understand the background of the patient, such as family history/ genetics, lifestyle factors, environment, etc. Functional medicine practitioners usually recommend some tests that are not always used in conventional medicine. However, by taking into account both personal history and functional medicine lab tests, a practitioner may help in finding out the root cause of a person’s illness, while helping the patients make their own decisions about their health. One of these functional medicine Toronto tests is the DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones), which offers a profile of hormone levels that currently cannot be determined through regular blood and regular saliva tests. The DUTCH test is used to examine sex hormones and adrenal hormones and their metabolites, including organic acids such as melatonin levels, dopamine, oxidative stress, and adrenaline metabolites. Thus, these tests may be used for evaluating male hormones, adrenal function, and female hormones. These tests may help the functional medicine doctor determine what may be done with regards to andropause, menopause, weight gain, and mood swings. Another important functional medicine test in Toronto is the complete thyroid panel. It is not common for doctors to perform a full thyroid profile. They will usually recommend only the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the T4 (thyroxine) tests. However, a functional medicine doctor will normally suggest a comprehensive thyroid panel, which focuses on the T3 (triiodothyronine), TSH, T4, thyroid antibodies, and other thyroid components as a way to determine if there is a thyroid dysfunction. A third functional medicine test is the gastrointestinal health assessment or the GI 360 test. This is a meticulous test that can determine the presence of yeast, parasites, viruses, and bacteria with a clinically applicable and comprehensive stool profile. Various technologies are used to help in detecting and evaluating the status of microorganisms that could result in acute or chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, chronic illnesses, and/or dysbiosis. Thus, for people who are suffering from diarrhea, gas, constipation, bloating, and other digestive symptoms, the GI 360 test may help in determining the appropriate treatment. Another possible functional medicine test is the small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) test. SIBO is often found in patients with symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flatulence. SIBO is often connected to IBD, IBS, fibromyalgia, diabetes, celiac disease, obesity, and Parkinson’s. Functional medicine centres, such as the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, offer a breath test for SIBO. This is a non-invasive test where the patient is asked to ingest a lactose solution and the test will measure the methane and hydrogen gases from the exhaled breath. This test is highly recommended because if the condition is left untreated, it may lead to motility problems, altered gut microflora (from continual use of antibiotics and PPIs), and organ dysfunction. And there is also the metabolic snapshot of the patient’s overall health/ organic acids test (OAT). Patients who have chronic and neurological issues often have atypical organic acids in their urine. Diets that are high in sugar, antibiotics, and immunity problems can result in large amounts of organic acids. Unlike the regular urine tests, this particular urine test provides information on key biomarkers, including the detection of high levels of bacteria , toxins & detoxification,cellular energy and mitochondrial function, neurotransmitters metabolites and yeast, that could have an impact on mitochondrial dysfunction, mood disorders, fatigue, immunity, and hyperactivity. The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is focused on integrative naturopathic functional medicine. They combine the functional medicine approach with alternative medicine, including homeopathic medicine, herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine or Eastern medicine, bio-identical hormone replacement, IV therapy, and others. Furthermore, the clinic uses functional medicine and alternative therapies for various health concerns, such as: nutritional health, hormone imbalances, neuropathic pain, chronic disease, acute health issues, postmenopausal health, and more. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHA1Dz6hPw_3LE2qggXxDQvS-WlOm4lqq Those who are interested in learning more about functional medicine in Toronto can check out the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website, or contact them on the phone (416) 968-6961 or through email [email protected]. They are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays. from Press Releases https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/49284-functional-medicine-centre-in-toronto-explains-how-functional-medicine-tests-may-shed-light-about-he Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Press Room Toronto Functional Medicine Centre 162 Cumberland St 222 A Toronto, ON M5R 1A8 (416) 968-6961 https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ Visit us at our Toronto Functional Medicine Clinic Other resources: Facebook Did you know that some IV therapy in Toronto patients might need to be treated for a micronutrient deficiency? Micronutrients are a group of essential vitamins and minerals that the body relies on for optimal health. Some people lack zinc, a micronutrient and mineral responsible for immune function, reproduction, growth, chemical reactions, and vision. In fact, zinc is a cofactor for over 200 enzymes, and our cellular metabolism heavily depends on it for functioning. With that, it’s understandable why a zinc deficiency can be concerning. “Globally, 17.3% of the population is at risk for zinc deficiency due to dietary inadequacy; up to 30% of people are at risk in some regions of the world,” states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unfortunately, even in the western world where ample food is accessible, a zinc deficiency can occur. Below, we’ve highlighted why zinc is important and how to correct mineral deficiencies with diet, supplements or intravenous drip injection therapies. Facts About Zinc for Toronto IV Therapy Patients
Getting Zinc Supplements or IV Therapy in Toronto How can you boost your zinc levels? There are some vitamin therapies to consider, but first, have functional medicine blood tests conducted to see if you’re deficient in this important nutrient. After your blood work review, your health practitioner may recommend dietary changes and supplements. Naturopathic doctors may likely suggest high-quality supplements that don’t contain fillers. Dietary changes will likely be mentioned too, which will include eating zinc-rich foods, such as organic whole foods, red meat, chickpeas and poultry. Intravenous therapy (or vitamin IV therapy/IV vitamin drip therapy) may be recommended if you have a fear of swallowing pills or have malabsorption issues. IV therapy drip works like this: a vitamin IV with therapeutic doses is inserted into your blood vessel. Then the body readily uses the blend of vitamins for nutrient absorption and cellular function. Since the vitamin IV enters the blood flow, it does not touch the digestive tract. IV therapy then doesn’t cause unwanted side effects that would occur from oral vitamins, such as diarrhea from a high-dose vitamin C tablet. Prior to using zinc supplements and IV drip therapy, please consult with a naturopathic doctor to rule out allergies or medication interactions. Also, keep this in mind: “Excess zinc can interfere with the absorption of iron and copper. High doses can also cause nausea and even vomiting,” stresses the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Therefore it is important not to take supplemental zinc unless it is known that the diet is low in foods containing zinc or a zinc deficiency is confirmed.” Are you lacking zinc? Do you want to maximize your energy levels, detoxification pathways, immune function and cellular functioning? Let’s discuss vitamin treatments at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre and improve your absorption of nutrients. Contact the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre At our private downtown clinic, we offer an assortment of nutrient intravenous drip treatments (i.e. zinc, amino acids, ascorbic acid/vitamin C infusions, vitamin D, Myers Cocktail, folic acid), with an integrative approach to functional medicine, naturopathy and allopathic medicine. Our vitamin drip treatments always consist of fresh beneficial ingredients that are compounded on a daily basis, to help correct deficiencies. Conditions that we help treat include: DNA repair, chronic fatigue, cellular functioning, cellular damage, blood pressure issues, oxidative stress, tissue repair, digestive tract concerns, adrenal fatigue, adrenal function, skin rejuvenation, allergic reactions, cognition/brain function, thyroid conditions, and athletic recovery. Replenish your zinc levels for optimal functioning! Call (416) 968-6961 to test your zinc levels and arrange for IV therapy in Toronto. Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.
References: “Micronutrient Facts” by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, reviewed June 28, 2021, viewed on December 3, 2021. Ranjbar E, Kasaei MS, Mohammad-Shirazi M, et al. Effects of zinc supplementation in patients with major depression: a randomized clinical trial. Iran J Psychiatry. 2013;8(2):73-79. “Zinc” by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, viewed on Dec. 5, 2021. “Zinc” by Oregon State University, reviewed in May 2019 by: Emily Ho, Ph.D., Endowed Director, Moore Family Center for Whole Grain Foods, Nutrition and Preventive Health, Professor, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Principal Investigator, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, viewed on Dec. 5, 2021. Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ Do you have a gut problem that just won’t go away? Do digestive issues interfere with your daily life? If “yes” to either question, then you should be aware of SIBO and how naturopathic functional medicine in Toronto could help relieve this condition. Here, we’ll provide an overview of what SIBO is and how naturopathy and functional medicine can diagnose and treat it. We’ll also identify the symptoms to look for and the causes of SIBO. Additionally, we’ll discuss how functional medicine testing for SIBO works at an integrative medicine clinical practice such as ours. What exactly is SIBO? SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It is a functional disorder of the gut in which bacteria excessively multiply. This may typically occur from an imbalance between good and bad bacteria or decreased intestinal motility. The main causes of SIBO are dysbiosis and bacterial overgrowth. Dysbiosis is an imbalance in the bacteria living in our gut, usually as a result of the chronic use of antibiotics or other medications that disrupt natural flora balance (i.e. birth control pills). SIBO can cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation; abdominal pain; nausea and vomiting; fatigue, weakness, brain fog, depression, and anxiety. SIBO sufferers often have had previous gastrointestinal surgeries, like Celiac Disease-related small bowel resections or stomach bypass surgery for weight loss. The common causes of SIBO include insufficient gastric secretion (known as hypochlorhydria) and small intestine dysmotility. These conditions may also trigger SIBO:
Another cause of SIBO is age, which is why the elderly population is at an increased risk of poor gut health. Other factors that have been shown to increase a person’s sensitivity to SIBO include: anatomic alterations/GI tract abnormalities (i.e. fistulas, surgical loupes); particular medications prescribed from traditional medicine (i.e. antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors); dysfunction of certain organs (i.e. pancreatitis, renal failure, cirrhosis); immunity impairment; vagus nerve surgical alteration/partial removal. Bacterial overgrowth in the gut is a concern because it can impede the benefits of a healthy diet, leading to malnutrition, weight loss and vitamin deficiencies.It’s critical to visit a naturopathic functional medicine doctor about gut concerns, especially since SIBO can cause chronic constipation or colitis if left untreated. A naturopathic functional doctor can diagnose SIBO, advise on alternative therapies that promote optimal health, and collaborate with patients on health goals through the functional medicine model. Diagnosing and Treating SIBO in Toronto Naturopathic functional medicine practitioners have clinical training in detecting dysbiosis in the gut and digestive system. Their approach to health may involve functional medicine testing. Firstly, a breath test can be conducted, in which excess bacteria in the small intestine can be identified if excess bacteria release hydrogen and methane gases. Dietary alterations may also be recommended. It has been theorized that abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence are experienced with SIBO; however, restricting carbohydrate intake may improve SIBO symptoms. Various therapeutic diets that limit carbohydrate intake and help treat SIBO include:
Herbal medicine, which is a type of alternative medicine, may also be advised by a functional naturopath to help with SIBO. Additionally, integrative naturopathic and functional medicine SIBO treatments may include a mixture of antibiotics and/or herbal antimicrobials. In fact, a number of herbs have demonstrated antimicrobial activity, including oil of oregano, wormwood, thyme, red thyme, olive leaf, and berberine extracts. Connecting with a Toronto functional medicine practitioner about SIBO SIBO can cause low quality of life and discomfort in everyday lives. But you don’t have to let poor gut health impact your lifestyle. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, you can shift towards a healthy way of life – know that integrative medicine is available to help your health journey! At our center for functional medicine, we offer consultations to diagnose and treat various health issues, including SIBO. Based in Toronto, Ontario, our naturopathic functional medicine doctor and nurse practitioner are passionate about evidence-based functional medicine practices. Our approach to health consists of personalized medicine with a systems-oriented approach, catering to each individual patient’s needs. Treatments at our private practice include complementary & alternative medicine care for patients, including clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine/Eastern medicine, medically-supervised IV therapy, among others. Our integrative approach and alternative therapies are designed to encourage the body to naturally alleviate conditions, while preventing disease in the human body. Medical conditions that our clinic helps treat include: chronic conditions (i.e. chronic disease, chronic pain, chronic disease management), mental health, cognitive decline, symptom management, hormonal imbalances, peri/postmenopausal health, acute health issues, neuropathic pain, pain management, and other health concerns. Let’s revive your gut with integrative care and alternative treatments. Call us at (416) 968-6961 to connect with a naturopathic functional medicine doctor in Toronto. References Bohm M, Siwiec RM, Wo JM. Diagnosis and management of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Nutr Clin Pract. 2013 Jun;28(3):289-99. doi: 10.1177/0884533613485882. Epub 2013 Apr 24. PMID: 23614961. Bures J, Cyrany J, Kohoutova D, et al. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2010;16(24):2978-2990. doi:10.3748/wjg.v16.i24.2978 Dukowicz AC, Lacy BE, Levine GM. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: a comprehensive review. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2007;3(2):112-122. Ghoshal UC, Shukla R, Ghoshal U. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Bridge between Functional Organic Dichotomy. Gut Liver. 2017;11(2):196-208. doi:10.5009/gnl16126Ring, M., & Namboodiri, S. (2018). Clinical Roundup: Selected Treatment Options for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 24(3), 140-141. https://doi.org/10.1089/act.2018.29169.cru Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ Did you know that we offer IV therapy in Toronto at our functional medicine clinic? Vitamin therapies such as this may help with alleviating health conditions, including nutritional deficiencies. IV therapy (known as intravenous drip or vitamin IV therapy) has beneficial effects for tackling nutritional shortcomings and promoting cellular energy production. By inserting an infusion of vitamins into the blood vessels, the body can promptly absorb high doses of nutrients. During an intravenous drip, therapeutic doses of key vitamins bypass the digestive tract. So this means you don’t experience side effects (i.e. diarrhea) that can occur from ingesting oral vitamins. Our bodies must consume certain levels of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) for reaching optimal health and for helping boost energy. But most micronutrients are not constructed in the body, which means we need to obtain these nutrients via dietary sources. And, unfortunately, the North American way of eating may not always provide suitable nutrition due to soil depletion, pesticides, processing, and preservatives. So if you were to visit a naturopathic functional medicine doctor, they may recommend altering your diet, taking supplements, or trying IV vitamin drip therapy for nutritional deficits. For your convenience, we’ve outlined educational facts about nutritional deficiencies and how to contact us for IV infusion therapy, or to optimize your oral or intramuscular supplementation: Nutrition Facts for Toronto Integrative Functional Medicine Patients First, know that our bodies require six important micronutrients:
According to the journal Nutrients, “Nutritional deficiency is linked with several infectious and inflammatory diseases as a cause or consequence,” which is something that many Toronto naturopathic doctors would agree with. If nutritional deficiencies are untreated, they can lead to chronic diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. And because “empty calories” are abundant in the North American diet, it’s possible to experience micronutrient-related malnutrition. Suggested Reading:Our IV Therapy Toronto Clinic Examines Nutritional Support for Tendon Injuries Inadequate micronutrient levels can cause premature aging, DNA damage and cellular damage, says our integrative naturopathic doctor. But consuming nutrients through food can be problematic, as the North American diet may already be lacking micronutrients. “A link may even exist between fast food, processed food, commercial baked goods, and sweets and destruction of brain cells and a lowering of intelligence,” explains The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. Micronutrient deficiencies may likely occur from agricultural practices. In a food composition study from 1950 to 1999, fruits and vegetables were shown to decline in nutritional value by close to 40%; this includes drops in vitamin C, riboflavin and calcium. Pesticide use is likely one of the causes of this nutritional decline: “low dose organochlorine (OC) pesticides have been strongly linked to various chronic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases,” explains an article from PLOSOne. We truly need optimal nutrient absorption for adequate energy levels, cellular functioning, tissue repair, DNA repair, and for chronic disease prevention. Nutritional shortcomings should not get in the way of enjoying life – let’s start replenishing your nutrition with oral, intramuscular or intravenous therapy. Book Your IV Therapy in Toronto At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, our naturopathic doctor and nurse practitioner adhere to integrative functional medicine, with an emphasis on integrative care. We offer a blend of vitamin drip treatments (i.e. high-dose vitamin C, amino acids, Myers Cocktail), as well as naturopathic and allopathic treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. Functional medicine blood tests may also be conducted. Some of the health concerns we address include: adrenal function/adrenal fatigue, cellular function, brain function, skin rejuvenation, digestive health, hormonal health, body stress, oxidative stress, chronic fatigue, thyroid conditions, blood pressure issues, and athletic recovery. Do you think a nutritional deficiency is causing you to feel unwell? Let’s talk about it – contact our integrative functional medicine clinic at (416) 968-6961 to learn about IV therapy in Toronto. References: Ames BN. Low micronutrient intake may accelerate the degenerative diseases of aging through allocation of scarce micronutrients by triage. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2006;103(47):17589-17594. doi:10.1073/pnas.0608757103 Donald R. Davis, Melvin D. Epp & Hugh D. Riordan (2004) Changes in USDA Food Composition Data for 43 Garden Crops, 1950 to 1999, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 23:6, 669-682, DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2004.10719409 Fuhrman J. The Hidden Dangers of Fast and Processed Food. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2018;12(5):375-381. Published 2018 Apr 3. doi:10.1177/1559827618766483 “Micronutrient Facts” by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, reviewed June 28, 2021, viewed on December 3, 2021. Oz HS. Nutrients, Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases. Nutrients. 2017;9(10):1085. Published 2017 Sep 30. doi:10.3390/nu9101085 Yang, J. H., Lee, Y. M., Bae, S. G., Jacobs, D. R., & Lee, D. H. (2012). Associations between organochlorine pesticides and vitamin d deficiency in the U.S. population. PloS one, 7(1), [e30093]. https://ift.tt/3qMtu87 Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ Did you know that our Toronto functional medicine tests could provide you with surprising information about your body with? These detailed health tests could disclose new information about your bloating, hot flashes, low energy, chronic pain, or unsolved malaise. Under conventional Western medicine, ultrasounds or blood tests are sought after to understand why patients feel unpleasant. However, many patients may have “normal” test results, even though they still feel unwell. Each health journey is a unique experience; for many patients, this journey can be a shaky one. However, functional medicine in Toronto with the use of functional medicine lab test results could help steer you on the course towards optimal health. Read on to learn what functional medicine lab testing is, details about different tests, and how to find out which test is suitable for you. What Exactly is Functional Medicine Lab Testing in Toronto? First, know that functional medicine is a health care methodology that deems each patient as a distinctive individual. This means that every patient has different triggers behind their ailments. For that reason, integrative and functional medicine doctors need to thoroughly understand the patient’s background, which includes family history/genetics, environment, lifestyle factors, etc. The human body is a complex entity, and so functional medicine practitioners suggest certain tests that are not always used by conventional medicine. Think of it this way: functional medicine practitioners use particular lab tests to deep-dive into a patient’s wellness. By considering both functional medicine lab tests and personal history, a practitioner can help determine the root causes of illness, while helping patients make their own health care decisions. Types of Functional Medicine Lab Tests in Toronto If you still feel ill after undergoing conventional lab tests, which functional medicine lab tests should you consider? Our functional medicine practitioners from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre may recommend these tests (based on your health history and main health concerns): SEX AND ADRENAL HORMONES IMBALANCES (DUTCH TESTS) DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) tests provide a profile of hormone levels that cannot be identified through regular saliva, 24-hour urine samples, and blood tests. They’re used to examine sex hormones and their metabolites, adrenal hormones and their metabolites, and also organic acids (i.e. melatonin levels, oxidative stress, dopamine and adrenaline metabolites). In particular, specific DUTCH tests are available for adrenal function, male hormones, and female hormones. The results from these tests can help a functional medicine doctor and patient determine your next steps in treating adrenal and hormonal issues (i.e. “male menopause” or andropause, mood swings, weight gain, menopause). COMPLETE THYROID PANEL Thyroid hormones help regulate your metabolism and body functions. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine if you have a thyroid dysfunction. It isn’t uncommon for doctors to not conduct a full thyroid profile, as they usually only test TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and the T4 (thyroxine). However, a functional medicine doctor in Toronto will recommend a comprehensive thyroid panel, which highlights TSH, T3 (triiodothyronine), T4, thyroid antibodies, and other thyroid components. GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT (GI 360 Test) Abdominal Inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, and parasites pain can all contribute to poor gut health. In order to assess your gut, a gastrointestinal profile may be recommended by a functional doctor. This meticulous test can pinpoint parasites, yeast, bacteria, and viruses with a comprehensive and clinically applicable stool profile. Technology used during the lab testing includes: multiplex PCR molecular technology, ID by MALDI-TOF, growth-based culture and biochemical assays and microscopy. These technologies are used to help detect and assess the status of microorganisms that could trigger acute or chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, chronic disease and/or dysbiosis. So if you suffer from gas, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, and other digestive symptoms, this test may help you receive proper treatment. SMALL INTESTINAL BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH (SIBO Test) Did you know that breath testing could possibly disclose the causes behind abdominal symptoms? Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is common among patients, with symptoms ranging from diarrhea and flatulence to abdominal pain. In fact, SIBO is frequently linked to IBS and IBD, diabetes, fibromyalgia, obesity, celiac disease and Parkinson’s. Functional medicine centres, such as ours in Toronto, may offer patients a breath test for SIBO. This breath test is non-invasive: you ingest a lactose solution and the test measures hydrogen and methane gases from your exhaled breath. This test may be highly recommended because, if left untreated, risk factors for SIBO include motility concerns, organ dysfunction, and altered gut microflora (from the continual use of PPIs and antibiotics). METABOLIC SNAPSHOT OF PATIENT’S OVERALL HEALTH/ORGANIC ACIDS TEST (OAT) Individuals with chronic and neurological conditions often urinate atypical organic acids. Antibiotics, diets high in sugar, and immunity issues can sometimes trigger high amounts of organic acids. It’s also not uncommon for organic acids to form due to genetic malfunction. If your body has a metabolic discrepancy or microbial imbalance, an OATS test can reveal high amounts of irregular organic acids in the urine. Unlike standard urine tests from conventional medicine, this specific urine test is a “snapshot” of 76 markers, including detections of abnormally high levels of yeast and bacteria that could affect immunity, fatigue and hyperactivity. This particular test can also help the functional medicine doctor diagnose some conditions, such as mitochondrial and gut dysfunction; imbalances with neurotransmitters, amino acids and acids/alkaline; inflammation; and ketosis. FOOD SENSITIVITY TEST Some foods can trigger discomforts or they’re linked to conditions such as Crohn’s, migraines, depression, joint pain and skin rashes. A food sensitivity test can help identify which foods are problematic to you. In particular, an immunoglobulin G (IgG) food antibody blood test identifies IgG antibodies from the foods that you frequently eat. Test results can help determine which foods to remove from your diet and nutrition plan, which may contribute to alleviating symptoms. How To Get Functional Medicine Lab Testing in Toronto It’s a relief to know that there are various ways to find triggers behind suboptimal health. Different functional medicine tests, such as panels for food sensitivity, SIBO and organic acids, may help provide the answers we’re seeking. Whether you’re seeking the root causes behind your inflammation or you want to learn other facts about your body’s functioning, functional medicine lab tests can help you reach your health goals. Which test is suitable for you? At our clinic, we offer various functional medicine lab tests to provide care for patients. Functional medicine testing is beneficial for establishing individualized treatment plans. (Note: select tests are affiliated with our integrative care program, which require an initial joint consultation with our naturopathic doctor and registered nurse.) We’re proud to announce that we’re currently accepting new patients – let’s meet to learn how to upgrade your quality of life! About Our Center for Functional Medicine The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre practices integrative naturopathic functional medicine. We fuse the functional medicine approach with alternative medicine, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine or Eastern medicine, homeopathic medicine, herbal medicine, IV therapy, bio-identical hormone replacement, and others. Additionally, our clinic uses functional medicine and alternative therapies to treat these health concerns, among others: neuropathic pain, nutritional health, hormone imbalances, postmenopausal health, chronic disease, acute health issues, etc. Let’s unveil the inner workings of your health! Become a patient to elevate your wellness – call (416) 968-6961 to learn about functional medicine Toronto lab tests. Original Source: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Website: https://torontofunctionalmedicine.com/ |
AuthorToronto Functional Medicine Centre is dedicated to helping each patient shift towards balanced, wholesome wellness. Whether your aim is to relieve pain, boost energy levels, or infuse vitality into your life, we welcome new patients with an array of health goals. Our team believes in working alongside each patient, which allows us to assess the services that may fit individual needs. We are proud to offer several therapies in one location. Each one of our practitioners has a passion for integrative functional medicine healing. Archives
May 2023
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